Social and Economic Justice — Current Affairs 2026

Current Affairs Connections

Recent developments and news linked to Social and Economic Justice.

Supreme Court Reaffirms 'Creamy Layer' Principle in SC/ST Reservations for Promotions

September 26, 2024 (Hypothetical for future relevance)

While the Supreme Court in Jarnail Singh v. Lachhmi Narain Gupta (2018) had already affirmed the applicability of the 'creamy layer' concept to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in promotions, recent judicial pronouncements or ongoing debates continue to refine its implementation. A hypothetical ruling in late 2024 could further clarify the criteria or methodology for identifying the creamy layer within SC/ST communities for reservation in promotions. This ongoing judicial scrutiny is crucial for ensuring that reservation policies, intended to achieve social justice (Article 46), truly benefit the most disadvantaged within these groups and do not perpetuate inequalities, aligning with the broader objective of minimizing inequalities under Article 38(2).

UPSC Angle: Mains: Discuss the evolution of reservation policy, the 'creamy layer' concept, and its implications for social justice. Prelims: Key judgments related to reservation in promotions and the creamy layer.

Background (2024)

Earlier events that provide context for this topic.

Union Budget 2024-25 Focuses on 'Garib, Mahila, Yuva, Annadata' for Inclusive Growth

February 1, 2024

The Union Budget 2024-25, presented by the Finance Minister, laid significant emphasis on empowering the poor (Garib), women (Mahila), youth (Yuva), and farmers (Annadata). Key allocations and policy announcements, such as increased outlay for housing under PM Awas Yojana, support for women SHGs, and initiatives for youth skill development, directly align with the Directive Principles of State Policy. These measures aim to promote social and economic justice by ensuring adequate means of livelihood (Article 39a), public assistance (Article 41), and protection of weaker sections (Article 46). The focus on inclusive growth reflects the constitutional mandate to minimize inequalities in income, status, facilities, and opportunities as enshrined in Article 38(2).

UPSC Angle: Mains: Analyze how recent budget allocations reflect the State's commitment to DPSP. Prelims: Specific scheme names, beneficiaries, and budget figures related to social welfare.

Government Launches 'PM-SURAJ' Portal to Streamline Social Welfare Schemes

March 13, 2024

The launch of the 'PM-SURAJ' (Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan aur Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan) portal by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment aims to streamline the application and delivery of various social welfare schemes, including those for SCs, OBCs, and sanitation workers. This digital initiative is a significant step towards improving access to public assistance and opportunities, directly addressing the spirit of Article 39A (equal justice and free legal aid by ensuring access to benefits) and Article 41 (public assistance). By enhancing transparency and efficiency, it seeks to reduce implementation gaps and ensure that the benefits of social and economic justice reach the intended beneficiaries more effectively, thereby fulfilling the State's duty under Article 38.

UPSC Angle: Mains: Evaluate the role of technology in achieving social and economic justice, citing specific government initiatives. Prelims: Name of the portal, its objectives, and the ministry involved.